Indian, Chinese students increase in New Zealand

Wellington, July 5 (IANS) Indian and Chinese students studying in New Zealand have accounted for a 13 per cent rise this year compared to 2015, an official report revealed on Tuesday.

The number of international student enrolments rose by 14,748 to total of 125,011, said the report by Education New Zealand, the government agency for the promotion of international education.

China accounted for 27 per cent of all enrolments, while India accounted for 23 per cent - together making up half the total, Xinhua news agency reported.

Tuition fee income received from international education topped 1 billion New Zealand dollars ($720 million) for the first time in 2015, rising 17 per cent year on year to 1 billion New Zealand dollars ($740 million).

The fastest growing markets for New Zealand education last year were India with a 45 per cent increase in enrolments and China, which was up 13 per cent.

However, student visa trends for the year to May 2016, also released Tuesday, showed a 5 per cent decline in first-time student visas, and a 22 per cent decline in first-time student visas from India.

"The decline in numbers from India reflects the new higher English language rules put in place in October last year and tighter enforcement of the rules by Immigration New Zealand. Growth in numbers from China, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Malaysia and Vietnam has largely offset the drop in numbers from India," Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce said.